The metamorphosis of Indian Ayuba, The Nation girl

When the first of the series on the 13-year-old Indian Ayuba was published on Saturday, August 22, 2009, it began like any other story. Three years on, the story of Indian has not stopped inspiring Nigerians. Now preparing for the Junior Secondary School examination, Indian is bent on living her dream. But will that dream become a reality? EVELYN OSAGIE asks.

Like any other 13-year-old, fair-skinned Indian Ayuba had a unique pastime. Locked in a remote and serene village of Chessu, Nasarawa State, she would often sit on a chair in front of her maternal grandfather’s red mud-bungalow and dream on, perhaps, of a beautiful future.

This was her preferred pastime, especially if she is not caring for her mother, Esther, or helping out in the farm. So huge were her dreams that she was somewhat afraid to share them. The most gargantuan of those dreams was her becoming a medical doctor which was merely a wishful thinking at the time. And another huge ambition was to have a future in which she would be able to give her mentally-challenged mother a better life. “With God’s help, I would like to be a doctor because I want to make people okay. And I would one day take care of and heal my mother,” she had said when asked what she would like to be in future.

And so began the unique enduring love story between a 13-year-old and her mother. Published in The Nation on Saturday, August 22, 2009, it literarily stole the hearts of thousands of Nigerians within and outside the country. Three years on, the story has run in over 10 series and has shown what can be accomplished when people set to achieve great feats.

Today, what was merely wishful thinking three years ago is gradually becoming a reality as Nigerians moved to sponsor her education. An account was opened for this purpose and a welfare board made up of notable Nigerians like the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, Chief Omowale Kuye, among others, was established. The management of The Nation thanks Nigerians for their continuous show of concern towards Indian and her mother. Keen observers hope that the government in all strata of governance will take social security of the Nigerian child very seriously.

On her part, from day one, Indian had shown great commitment to her dream of a better future. When many thought she would not be able to make the school’s entrance examination and the interview that followed, owing to her educational background, she scaled through both. To brush her up, she was put on extramural classes. But the lapse in educational foundation still showed up as she had to repeat in her first year. Undaunted, she kept alive her dream, going home every holiday to be with her mother and family.

Three years on, Indian has now become a different personality. She has changed from being a naïve and timid village girl to a sharp and outspoken one. Before entering school, she could not make a complete sentence in English. Today, not only does she speak the language fluently, she now reads novels and motivational books to help her. Her favourite’s is the story of the great motivator, America’s famous neurosurgeon Ben Carson to whom she seems to share a lot with.

It was a bubbling Indian that this reporter met in school before the Yuletide break. She had glint in her eyes as she talked about her mentor. Hear her: “I am inspired by Ben Carson’s story; from the dullest he became the best. When he was small, people did not believe he would make it because he failed several times when he was in primary school. When his mother saw that he was failing, she made him and his brother read books and believe in their ability. Today, he is a doctor. I read his story in his book, Think Big, which I bought for N500, after our Principal had told us about it. And from it, I learnt that it does not matter what one is today, but through hard work, one can become great tomorrow. And that means that I can make it too, if I read my books. Carson became a medical doctor because he became focused on his studies with his mother’s help. I also learnt that I should ‘think big’ and be smart. I will buy his other book, Gifted Hands, because his story is interesting.”

She said she was gearing up for the first term examination, saying: “Aunty, we are all reading for our exams because we don’t want to fail.” She also seized the moment to show off some inspiring quotes she has learnt, adding: “I always remember the ‘P-5’ as I work.”

“And what is this ‘P-5’,” she was asked. “P-5 is Proper planning prevents poor performance,” she laughed feeling nice with herself for having something to teach others.

Her form teacher, Mrs Anna Agushaka, impressed with Indian’s determination, spoke passionately about it. “Indian is trying. She is willing to learn. All she needs is encouragement and she picks up challenges. If you challenge her, she listens and puts more effort. The last term in my test, she came 21st position, but this term, she came 14th position. And I have told her she has to sit up. And I believe she can do better,” she said.

Bursting with excitement, Indian took the reporter to her hostel with permission from the authority and showed off her corner and her friends. Her mates watched with kin interest as she escorted the reporter to her hostel, perhaps their interest was aroused because it was the first time the reporter would ever enter the hostel with Indian. Bubbly Indian seemed to savour the moment. She went on about school, her work and filling the reporter in on all she has missed, especially during the school’s open day.

“Aunty, do you know some people used to cry during our open day if their parents don’t come to visit them? I don’t cry o,” she said.

“And why don’t you cry?” she was asked. “Because I know that where you stay is far and you are very busy. And even if I cry, it won’t bring you just like that and I know you would always come to see me later. So, I focus on my studies instead of crying. But I miss you sometimes o,” she replied.

“I miss you too,” the reporter replied.

“I am happy you understand that I cannot come often to see you because of the distance and work. And I cannot because I may not always have the money to come as much I would want to,” the reporter added while Indian nodded her head to indicate understanding.

As they passed by a big tree in the middle of the hostel, she said: “We are afraid of that tree because of the shape.” On getting to her corner, it became obvious why she was willing to show off. It was neatly dressed with everything arranged in its place. Impressed by her show of neatness, the school’s matron, Mrs Bridget John, said of the trait: “She is not only respectful but also very neat. She does not like any stain on her. She would come to me if there is any stain she cannot deal with and I would tell her what to do.”

As the visit came to an end, Indian promised she would not only put in her best in her forthcoming examination but read hard for the Junior Secondary School (JSS) examination while courting the reporter to get her a beautiful dress as Christmas gift for the reward of hard work.

As the year comes to a close, it is not yet Uhuru for this 16-year-old dreamer; a lot still needs to be done to give her the future of her dreams. The money in her account may not be enough to see her through the education of her dream.

The bank account is still open for donations. The account, First Bank Plc, Ilupeju, Lagos branch has the account name: Indian Ayuba Trust with account number: 2013716583.

However, it is not yet bed time for the story. Follow the story soon as this reporter goes in search of her father again and presents an update on her mother.

Indian is another that is inspiring young Nigerians on working hard and dwelling well on their talents, she is a humble background in Nassarawa but she did not allow that to bring her down. Shes currently making headlines simply because of her uniqueness and creativity.
CALEB UNIVERSITY
MASS COMMUNICATION